Dhaka:The Home Ministry of Bangladesh has submitted a proposal for an allocation of Tk 6,608.14 crore to purchase 5,830 vehicles for the Bangladesh Police. This initiative aims to address longstanding shortages in the police fleet, enhance emergency response capabilities, and strengthen law enforcement operations across the nation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the proposal includes two projects awaiting consideration by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). The ECNEC meeting, scheduled for October 25, will take place at the Bangladesh Secretariat under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The proposed funding includes Tk 4,328 crore for the acquisition of 4,829 operational vehicles and Tk 2,280.14 crore for 1,001 specialized vehicles. The implementation of these projects is planned from October 2026 to June 2029 and will be fully financed by the government.
The procurement is set against a backdrop of significant gaps between the current police vehicle fleet and operational needs. Currently, Bangladesh's 639 administrative police stations have a total of 1,237 vehicles to cover an area of approximately 147,000 square kilometers. With fewer than two vehicles per station on average, and about 64 percent of the existing fleet over a decade old, the police face challenges in maintaining patrols, responding to emergencies, and deploying personnel effectively.
The investment is expected to enhance mobility and operational readiness, enabling police units to respond more effectively to crime and security threats. The specialized vehicles will include riot control units, all-terrain vehicles, mobile command centers, and crime scene vans, supporting crowd management and operations in remote areas.
Additionally, the modernization plan highlights the need for speedboats and country boats to enhance police capabilities on Bangladesh's extensive river network. These watercraft are intended to support patrols, protect key installations, and facilitate counterterrorism and rescue operations.
Training components are included in both projects to develop necessary skills for operating and maintaining the expanded fleet. Training will cover light and heavy vehicle driving, vehicle mechanics, and the operation of specialized vehicles.
The projects are projected to cost Tk 2,080.94 crore in fiscal year 2026-27, Tk 2,867.55 crore in 2027-28, and Tk 1,660.58 crore in 2028-29. Feasibility studies conducted by Hawk's Bay indicate a benefit-cost ratio of 1.05, suggesting that economic benefits slightly exceed costs. The net present value is estimated at Tk 19.22 crore for the operational vehicle project and Tk 176.096 crore for the specialized vehicle project.
Further revisions to the Development Project Proposal included the exclusion of foreign training and alignment with national procurement and finance regulations, as well as the election manifesto. The specialized vehicle project has been recommended for ECNEC consideration by the Planning Commission's Physical Infrastructure Division.
Final approval from ECNEC is pending, and the project's success in enhancing public safety will depend on effective procurement, deployment, maintenance, and operational efficiency.